Iceland's Natural Beauty

Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Reykjavík is the world’s northernmost capital city yet captures the distinctive feel of a fishing village. The Kentucky-sized island is Europe’s westernmost nation and one of the wildest places on earth. It is also lauded as one of the cleanest and most civilized countries, committed to finding the perfect balance between day-to-day living and harnessing its natural resources with eco-friendly practices. Vikings landed on this pristine land during the 9th century; their arrival is well chronicled in the medieval Sagas preserved at the Culture House.

Day 2: Reykjavík, Iceland

Reykjavík is home to endless charms, watched over by the majestic Esja mountain range. The striking Hallgrímskirkja church stands in the city center as a towering vision in white, while the glass Harpa concert hall is a wonder of modern architecture. Höfði House is one of Reykjavík’s highlights and is the site of the meeting between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, which marked the beginning of the end of the Cold War. Farther afield, breathtaking natural sites are in abundance, from towering waterfalls and soaring mountains, to blue thermal springs.

Day 3: ĺsafjördur, Iceland

ĺsafjördur was founded in the 9th century by the Viking Helgi Magri Hrólfsson. Foreign merchants arrived in the 16th century and set up trading posts here. Today, ĺsafjördur is home to one of the largest fisheries in Iceland and, despite its remote locale, boasts a cultural scene rich in music and drama. The oldest house in Iceland is here, built in 1734, as is the country’s largest concentration of old timber-frame homes. Many visitors explore farther afield, delving into the surrounding wilderness of Hornstrandir or discover the fishing heritage of charming coastal towns.

Day 4: Akureyri, Iceland

Nicknamed the “Capital of the North,” Akureyri is set at the end of the Eyjafjördur and enjoys a mild climate, unusual for a northern city just 62 miles from the Arctic Circle. Folk culture is robust in Akureyri; the Vefarinn dance was invented here to celebrate the harvest. Other points of pride include the Public Park and Botanic Garden, where some 2,000 plant species grow, and the hilltop Akureyrarkirkja, the local church that is home to a stained glass window that originated in a church in London, England, prior to World War II.

Day 5: Seydisfjördur, Iceland

Seydisfjördur enjoys a mountainous setting at the end of a fjord. It traces its origins to the early days of Viking settlements. Though the town is tiny, it boasts an impressive history. It hosted the world’s first modern whaling station and pioneered international communications when it welcomed the first telegraph cable, linking Iceland to Europe. Colorful wooden homes line the streets, overseen by starkly picturesque slopes and the soaring summits of Mounts Bjólfur and Strandartindur.

Day 6: Djúpivogur, Iceland

Djúpivogur lies on Iceland’s east coast and has been a trading center since the 16th century. The town is presided over by the towering Búlandstindur; a mountain famed in local folklore for its ability to grant wishes during the summer solstice. Dotted around the town, several cultural sights can be explored, including The Tank and the Eggs of Merry Bay. Residents here favor embracing a slower pace of life. The town has adopted the cultural trend known as “Cittaslow” which is dedicated to the promotion of sustainable living, improving the quality of life for its residents.

Day 7: Heimaey, Iceland

Heimaey is the only populated island in the Westman Islands. The scenery is stunning with its volcanic landscapes, moss-covered clifftops and picturesque homes with brightly colored rooftops. A number of breathtaking natural sights are a result of the volcanic eruption that took place here in 1973, which saw the evacuation of all 5,000 residents to the mainland. Each summer, millions of puffins pay a visit and countless other species migrate here to feed and breed. Several efforts are underway to protect the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea.

Day 8: Reykjavík, Iceland

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call with optional activities for an additional cost.

Open Air Museum & Raykjavík - Get acquainted with Iceland’s picturesque capital and visit the Árbær Open Air Museum

Ísafjördur & Bolungarvík Village - Discover the wild beauty of Iceland’s northwest corner, and the culture and history of the region’s small towns

Panoramic Akureyri - Enjoy the fjord setting and alpine backdrop of Akureyri, one of the most attractive Icelandic towns

Seydisfjördur on Foot & Viking Festival - Venture out on foot during a stroll around picturesque Seydisfjördur and enjoy the Viking Festival

Cultural Sights of Djúpivogur - Explore the cultural sights of Djúpivogur and its local displays of art

Heimaey on Foot - Get a deeper understanding of the geology of Heimaey and visit the Eldheimar Museum

Reykjavík

From $1,299 per person – 2 nights

Take in the breathtaking beauty of Reykjavík—one of the world’s cleanest, most eco-friendly cities and home to the Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal spa.

Included:

2 hotel nights

2 meals: 2 breakfasts (B)

All transfers

Norwegian Capitals & Scenic Train

From $2,599 per person – 4 nights

Discover Oslo’s rich history and Bergen’s beauty on a journey that showcases Norway’s illustrious seafaring heritage and the enduring legacy of the Hanseatic League. Enhance your sojourn with a panoramic ride on the scenic Bergen Railway, traversing Europe’s lofty Hardangervidda plateau.

Included:

2 hotel nights in Bergen and 2 hotel nights in Oslo

5 meals: 4 breakfasts (B) & 1 lunch (L)

2 guided tours: Oslo & Bergen

Scenic train journey

Flights from Bergen to Reykjavik

All transfers